WYSIWYG NEWS, 28 January, 2007
news at wysiwygnews.com
news at wysiwygnews.com
Sun Jan 28 17:14:27 NZDT 2007
Subject: 28 January, 2007
----- WYSIWYG NEWS ------------------------------
Copyright, Brian Harmer.
Comparisons are odious, it is said. Yet I could not help
comparing Gisborne with Wanganui. The two cities are of a
similar size, each having somewhere in the region of 43,000
inhabitants. Each has employment issues, and features too
often in the news for the wrong reasons. Each is built around
a river, and the ports are in a state of atrophy when compared
with their glory days of perhaps a century ago. A strong
relationship with local Maori is a significant aspect of each
city. Gladstone Street is Gisborne's main shopping precinct,
while Victoria Avenue is the retail heart of Wanganui. Rugged
hill country presses each city close to the sea. One is on the
East Coast, and the other to the West. One is a sunrise city,
the other a sunset place. One seems to be characterised by
youth and push chairs, the other by grey hairs and walking
sticks. Gisborne has a youth and vibrancy that I haven't ever
felt in Wanganui. Its shops are bright and attractive. Muir's
bookshop is probably one of the best bookshops in New Zealand,
outside of the big chains. It has original art on display and
there are nice restaurants. You may get the impression that I
was impressed by Gisborne. Well I was. Wanganui's civic slogan
is "Well worth the journey". Gisborne's slogan is "first to
see the light", and indeed those who recall the millennial
celebrations seven years back will recall that it is indeed
the first significant population centre in the world to greet
each new day. Well, the road journey to Gisborne from any
direction is a significant hurdle, and I suspect that it too
is "well worth the journey". After almost a month of grey wet
and windy "summer in Wellington, Gisborne blessed us with fine
calm weather. When I say fine, I mean bright sun, clear skies,
warm temperatures, the kind of weather that allows you to feel
that all is right with the world. Well, we attended to the
family business that took us there in the first place, and the
next day we set out in search of a place called the
Eastwoodhill Arboretum (http://www.eastwoodhill.org.nz/). The
road took us Westward through prosperous farmland towards
those daunting hills, until at last some 35 km later, at what
seemed like the edge of civilization we reached a small slice
of paradise. Now arboretums (arboreta?) are botanical gardens
for trees, so I imagine many of Eastwoodhill's visitors might
be classed as "tree huggers" by the population at large. So be
it. I even persuaded Mary to be photographed hugging a large
tree. This magnificent park is the kind of place that allows
you to leave your worldly cares behind. "We're not in Kansas
anymore, Toto!" Eastwoodhill's founder and his successors had
a vision of a great rolling parkland with examples of many of
the world's great trees, and in my view they succeeded
magnificently. We chose a walk from the several on offer, that
took us around three hours to complete. So many shades of
green, so many graceful forms. As Joyce Kilmer's somewhat
overused poem has it, "I think that I shall never see a poem
lovely as a tree ..." We shall definitely revisit there again
in Autumn. It was even worth the ($80) speeding ticket I got
for passing a well concealed speed camera at 61 km/h in a 50
km/h zone.
----
Any text above this point, and all subsequent material in
parentheses, and concluded with the initials "BH" is the
personal opinion of Brian Harmer as editor of this newsletter,
or occasionally "GS" will indicate an opinion from our
editorial assistant. In all cases they are honest expressions
of personal opinion, and are not presented as fact.
All news items (except where noted otherwise) are reproduced
by kind permission of copyright owner, Newstalk ZB News. All
copyright in the news items reproduced remains the property of
The Radio Network Limited.
This edition of the news is sponsored by John Burland in
Germany. Many thanks John.
----
On with the News.
Monday, 15 January 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NATIONAL SLAMS REDUCTION IN FISHERIES OFFICERS
----------------------------------------------
The Ministry of Fisheries is being accused of allowing our
beaches to be ravaged by poachers. National claims the
department has slashed the number of honorary fisheries
officers by 35 percent since 2002, leaving the sea open to
abuse. National's Fisheries spokesman Phil Heatley says with
only about 150 paid and 160 honorary officers patrolling
around 18-thousand kilometres of coastline, poachers are
getting away with murder. He says we need more eyes and ears
on the ground to ensure there is enough fish for kids to catch
and to allow families to have pipis for dinner. Mr Heatley
says there is a huge number of honorary fisheries officers who
had their warrants removed, who would love to be back out
patrolling our beaches.
(Governments of both stripes have tended to diminish
enforcement agencies of all kinds in favour of vague
guidelines. Remember inspectors of weights and measures? Or
the radio frequency people? - BH)
GOVT URGED TO FURTHER RESTRICT TELECOM
--------------------------------------
The Government is being called on to put more restrictions on
Telecom. The telecommunications company has warned its rental
line prices will increase by at least a dollar a month in
March. Telecommunications Users Association Chief Executive
Ernie Newman says under the Kiwi Share, Telecom is entitled to
raise its prices by the rate of inflation. He says you cannot
blame Telecom from taking advantage of that. But Mr Newman
says it is high time the government put a stop to it. He says
a review of the Kiwi Share is on the government agenda for
this year and as far as he is concerned it cannot happen fast
enough.
FOUNDER POSITIVE ABOUT TRADEME
------------------------------
TradeMe founder Sam Morgan is picking the internet site will
continue its strong growth in 2007. The company has recently
branched out into the jobs market. Mr Morgan expects the
auction site will continue extract more advertising revenue
that was destined for television as the marketplace gets even
more competitive. At the moment the company says its business
plan is on course to list more than 225,000 properties and
around 100,000 jobs during 2007. Fairfax bought TradeMe last
year for $700 million and Mr Morgan stayed on as an executive.
COUNCILLOR WANTS ROAD FIXED
---------------------------
A Greater Wellington Regional Councillor wants Transit New
Zealand to take responsibility for a road where 40 people have
died in 20 years. In the latest fatal crash, Wellington man
Sumit Mazumdar died instantly after his car crossed the centre
line on State Highway 1 near Paekakariki on Saturday.
Councillor Chris Turver says the road was designed for model A
Fords in the 1930s and it cannot handle today's traffic. He
says Transit needs to do something constructive to fix the
serious roading problems. Mr Turvey says the sooner the new
Transmission Gully Route is in action, the better, as it will
ease traffic pressure on the notorious stretch of road.
(People burble on about killer roads. Short of a major
mechanical malfunction which is rare these days, only one
thing takes a car across a centre line and that's a driver.
That said, I want Transmission Gully finished yesterday. - BH)
PHONE BILLS RISING
------------------
Telecom customers can expect to pay more for line rentals from
March. Rentals will go up between $1 and $1.85. Telecom
spokesman Kevin Bowler says the increase is unavoidable
because of cost increases across many areas of the business.
The increases will vary for different plans and different
parts of the country.
COMMUTERS PAYING MORE
---------------------
Public transport operators in Auckland say they have little
choice but to hike fares. Commuters have to dig deeper when
catching the bus or train today, as average bus fares rise
nearly eight percent and train users face a 15 percent
increase. Executive Director of the Bus and Coach Association
John Collyns blames the rises on higher costs including
labour, vehicle parts and maintenance, which the industry
needs to recoup. He says while the price of diesel has come
down recently, it was climbing when the price rises were
decided on last year. Mr Collyns says bus operators would be
sorry to lose passengers as a result of the increases.
(I wonder what it would cost, and what would the benefits be,
of putting all public transport under the authority of the
local body and making it free. Might the reduction in car
usage generate benefits that more than offset the costs? -
BH)
DHBS DEFEND CRITICISM
---------------------
District Health Boards are hitting back at claims by the
Cancer Society that further trouble is looming within the
health sector. The long-running dispute between radiation
therapists appears to have been settled, but Dalton Kelly, CEO
of the Cancer Society, claims the action is symptomatic of a
greater problem with workers dealing with cancer treatment. Dr
Nigel Murray, DHB spokesman, says the society is not being
realistic if it believes every dispute can be settled by
throwing money at it. He is sure there would be unhappiness
all around if there was no money left to help improve services
because every pay claim had been settled. Dr Murray hopes
unions will not continue to encourage industrial action as a
way to barter a better deal for workers.
PHARMAC HOPES TO SAVE MILLIONS
------------------------------
The Government's drug funding agency wants to save $20 million
a year with its latest tender. Pharmac is tendering for a
supply of 249 medicines used in hospitals and in the
community. The current tender allows suppliers to bid for the
individual community and hospital markets or both. This year's
tender includes treatments for heart disease, raised
cholesterol, depression, stomach ulcers and oral
contraceptives.
(Pharmac has an invidious reputation with the New Zealand
public. It may be media driven, but the perception seems to be
that these are the people who prevent us having the
medications that a first world country should have - BH)
GOVT TOO TIMID OVER CLIMATE CHANGE SAY GREENS
---------------------------------------------
The Greens claim the Government is too timid over its climate
change initiatives. At its Picnic for the Planet event on
Waiheke Island in Auckland's Hauraki Gulf yesterday, the party
handed out scorecards for their political opponents, rating
them on their climate change policies. Co-leader Russell
Norman says while Labour is second only to the Greens with its
stance on climate change, much more courage is needed. He says
New Zealand needs to reduce its dependence on imported oil
through the use of bio-fuel and introduce tax incentives
encouraging companies to invest in fuel-efficient vehicles.
Meanwhile, the ACT Party is not surprised it is being accused
of denying the importance and reality of climate change.
Leader Rodney Hide says while he is not disputing the climate
is changing, he doubts there is much any policy can do to
help. He says New Zealand's contribution to emissions is
negligible so diminishing emissions will have no effect on the
world's climate.
TALKS OVER AIR NZ OUTSOURCING TODAY
-----------------------------------
The union representing many Air New Zealand staff will attempt
to convince the airline not to outsource 1700 jobs today. The
Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union will begin talks
at midday regarding the proposed contracting out of the
national airline's passenger and ground handling services. In
its announcement last October the airline said the changes
could save the company $20 million a year, however, EPMU
National Secretary, Andrew Little, says that is doubtful and
he wants Air New Zealand to properly justify its case. He says
outsourcing would mean a possible reduction in jobs as well as
cuts to wages and conditions. Mr Little says if there are
aspects of the operation that can be improved without harming
the workers then the union is open to discussing them. The
talks are expected to last until Wednesday.
ANNUAL PACE OF HOUSE VALUE GROWTH SLOWS
---------------------------------------
Residential property values continue to grow, but the level of
increase is falling. Quotable Value figures for December show
9.2 percent growth nationally compared with the same month in
2005. That is down from 9.4 percent growth in November and 9.6
percent in October and is the slowest level of increase since
the QV survey began in February 2005. Auckland City saw value
growth ease from 7.2 to 6.7 percent, Wellington dropped from
9.8 to 9.3 and Christchurch was unchanged at nine percent. The
average national sale price is now $348,886. The figures are
likely to be welcome news for Reserve Bank governor, Alan
Bollard, who has singled out the housing market as the bank's
main concern for inflation. Interest rates will be reviewed on
January 25.
Tuesday, 16 January 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
PARENTS: WATCH KIDS ONLINE
--------------------------
Parents are being urged to keep an eye on the relationships
their children are making over the Internet. It follows the
arrest of a 21-year-old Wellington man for allegedly grooming
a 14-year-old Taupo girl for sex. Police say the man drove to
see the girl yesterday after they met online. Netsafe
Executive Director Martin Cocker says many parents do not
believe their child could be a target, as they are a "good"
child or "clever". But he says anyone can be affected, and
does not come down to any weakness. Martin Cocker says as soon
as a child gets asked to keep a relationship a secret,
something is usually wrong.
(Far easier to say than to do. Most 14 year olds are fairly
skilled at telling their parents what they want them to know.
- BH)
TOURISM INDUSTRY GETS SUMMER BOOM
---------------------------------
New Zealand's growing reputation as a hot holiday destination
is seen as the reason our tourism industry is breaking
records. The Christmas-New Year period has been one of the
most successful on record, with places like Northland,
Gisborne and the West Coast doing particularly well. Tourism
Industry Association Chief Executive Fiona Luhrs says word of
mouth is working to bring people to New Zealand. She says the
people working in the tourism industry are getting better and
better at providing services and people are having a wonderful
time here, despite the weather. Ms Luhrs says the best is yet
to come, with the busiest months generally being February and
March.
CHARITIES GET A CLEAN UP
------------------------
A new era of transparency and accountability for charities
begins next month. The Charities Register opens on February
1st. Groups wanting to maintain their tax exemptions need to
register before the laws change in July 2008. Charities
Commission chief executive Trevor Garrett says at the moment
the industry is all over the place, and no-one even knows how
many charitable organisations are out there. He says the
register will also allow people to know which charities are
real.
TELECOM'S PRICE RISE "UNWARRANTED"
----------------------------------
A telecommunications expert claims Telecom's latest price hike
is unwarranted. From March, Telecom will charge up to $1.85 a
month more for land lines. It says the rise is necessary
because of cost increases. But analyst Paul Budde believes the
move is purely a result of the company's monopolistic position
and is unwarranted because technology is driving costs down.
He says it is up to the Government to make changes to prevent
such activity.
Wednesday, 17 January 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SCHOLAR SAYS NCEA LACKS MOTIVATION
----------------------------------
A student who knows a thing or two about motivation believes
that is what the NCEA lacks. Aidan Varan has earned the
perfect result - 45 points from 45 - in his International
Baccalaureate Diploma. The Kristen Senior School student sat
the diploma as an alternative to NCEA. The 18-year-old says he
was aiming for the perfect score and worked hard to achieve
it. But he says some of his peers doing NCEA do not have the
same incentive. He says you are not rewarded for getting
between an achieved or an excellent as there are no actual
points at the end of the day. Mr Varan says he did NCEA Level
One and found himself wondering why anyone would bother
working for anything more than a pass mark.
NO SURPRISE AT WOOLWORTHS' WAREHOUSE BID
----------------------------------------
The managing director of Foodstuffs says he is not surprised
Australian retailer Woolworths has applied to the Commerce
Commission for clearance to buy the Warehouse. Woolworths made
the announcement this afternoon, just one month after
Foodstuffs made the same move. Both companies currently own
ten-percent of the Red Shed. Foodstuffs Managing Director Tony
Carter says the application does not change anything and he is
now waiting to see its outcome.
PREDATORS INCREASING EXTINCTION THREAT
--------------------------------------
The Department of Conservation is blaming introduced predators
for alarming new figures on New Zealand's endangered and
extinct wildlife. The number of species on the classed as
threatened has increased by 416 since the first list was
released in 2002. The total number of species threatened is
now 2,788, while there are 5,819 plants and animals on the
endangered list altogether. DOC spokeswoman Nicola Vallance is
attributing the increase to introduced predators, which she
says are wreaking havoc on threatened species. For example she
says a lot of New Zealand birds are flightless and can not
compete with a stoat racing up to their nest and taking their
chicks, and possums are eating endangered snails. Ms Vallance
says it is a constant battle. However Nicola Vallance says the
results are not all down to predators. She says the latest
list includes many new species DOC did not know existed when
it was first published in 2002.
RHEUMATIC FEVER DRUG FUNDING CONSIDERED
---------------------------------------
The Government's drug buying agency is reassuring parents
whose children suffer rheumatic fever. Concerns have been
raised after the manufacturer discontinued the drug Bicillan.
Dilky Rasiah, Pharmac's deputy medical director, says the
agency will do its best to make Bicillan available as soon as
possible, but she says the approval process still has to be
worked through. Dr Rasiah says it is too early to talk about
pricing, but the drug's importance will be considered when the
time comes.
ANOTHER MEETING ON AIRLINE OUTSOURCING
--------------------------------------
Air New Zealand is scheduled to meet with the Service and Food
Workers Union later this week to discuss the company's plan to
outsource much of its ground service work. The airline has
already held talks on the issue with the Engineers' Union.
Jill Ovens, union spokeswoman for the food and service
workers, says outsourcing would see quality suffer and staff
loyalty plummet. "What we've proven with our submission is
that it isn't worth their while to outsource. The business
case just doesn't stack up." Ms Ovens claims staff morale is
already at an all-time low.
HIGH NEW YEAR MURDER RATE NOT UNUSUAL
-------------------------------------
The first weeks of 2007 have seen a high number of murders,
but an expert says that is not unusual. So far this year,
seven people have been murdered. Greg Newbold, a Canterbury
University criminologist, says the holiday period is
associated with high levels of tension, especially for those
with problems in their relationships. People whose marriages
have broken up feel worse this time of the year. Dr Newbold
says murders tend to happen in clusters but the bad start to
the year is not necessarily an indication of things to come.
In one of the latest cases, a 15-year-old boy appears in the
North Shore District Court today charged with the murder of
77-year-old Birkdale pensioner Doreen Reed.
HEALTH PROBLEMS WHEN KIDS TREATED BADLY
---------------------------------------
New Zealand researchers are the first to find a link between
childhood maltreatment and health problems later in life.
Dunedin's Multidisciplinary Health and Development Research
Unit has followed a thousand children thorough into their 30s
and found that those who were physically or psychologically
maltreated as children were twice as likely to suffer
excessive inflammation in adulthood. Associate Professor,
Richie Poulton, says inflammation is a natural response to
stress, but can lead to health issues such as heart disease
and respiratory illness. He says the findings have direct
implications for public health programmes.
UNIONS WANT AFFORDABLE PUBLIC TRANSPORT
---------------------------------------
Unions are calling for more affordable, or even free public
transport services. It follows a hike in the price of bus and
train fares in Auckland this week. Jim Kelly from the National
Distribution Union says affordable public transport would
outweigh the cost of climate change. He says bus drivers are
sympathetic towards passengers and want to work with them for
better public transport.
AIR NZ NOT REDUCING FUEL CHARGES YET
------------------------------------
Air New Zealand has no plans yet to follow the lead set by
Qantas and reduce its fuel surcharges. The Australian airline
has dropped $5 from New Zealand domestic and some
international flights. But Air New Zealand says it has no
immediate plans to follow suit. Spokeswoman Tracey Palmer says
the airline's fuel bill for 2007 is expected to be around $1.1
billion, compared with around $480 million three years ago.
She he says airfares are set in a competitive marketplace and
the company will continue to closely monitor the situation.
Flight Centre spokesman John McGuiness says customers have
been waiting to see a reduction, with the price of oil and
petrol dropping. He says ideally fuel charges will eventually
be eliminated.
Thursday, 18 January 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AVOCADOS AWAIT RECORD HARVEST
-----------------------------
The avocado industry is looking forward to its best season
ever, with fruit volumes expected to exceed the record harvest
of 2005. Avocado Growers Association chairman Hugh Moore says
this year's harvest should help offset the losses from a
disastrous 2006 season. He says they would like to make
inroads in both the American and Japan markets, especially
after cold snaps ravaged the industry in California. Mr Moore
says there are still a number of factors working against them
like the exchange rate and competition from Mexico and Chile.
He says it is not crucial, as most of their crop is sold in
Australia.
GOVT STANDS BY FREE CHILDCARE PLEDGE
------------------------------------
The Government is standing by its election promise of 20 hours
of free childhood care for three and four-year-olds. Labour
has come under fire after the National Party released
information showing 14 percent of early childhood centres say
they will not be able to offer the service. Another 47 percent
say they have little or no capacity. Early Childhood Council
Chief Sue Thorne says the scheme was poorly researched. She
believes limited capacity at childcare centres and the low
rates the Government is offering mean its election promise was
misleading. Education Minister Steve Maharey says parents and
centres need more time to look through what is being offered.
He says issues of capacity will be ironed out as new teachers
are trained up.
TAXI SAFETY OFFICERS SOUGHT
---------------------------
Officials have begun implementing measures designed to make it
safer to get into a taxi. Land Transport New Zealand will
begin recruiting this weekend for 10 full time enforcement
officers who will solely be dedicated to the taxi industry.
They will be used to improve standards within the industry and
also to ensure the safety and security of passengers. The 10
will be based in Auckland and Wellington - but will work
around the country.
MAYOR RUNNING AGAIN
-------------------
North Shore's mayor George Wood, has announced he will stand
again when elections are held later this year. The former
policeman is already the longest running mayor since the city
was formed in 1989 when he was being elected to serve a third
term. He says the job is one where you can never relax or let
your guard down, as people always want to put their views
forward - but he loves it. Mr Wood says his main reason for
standing again is consistency, believing the council needs to
be settled to run efficiently.
NZERS QUEUING UP FOR CONDOM TEST
--------------------------------
There are not many unpaid jobs that have people queuing up to
work, but condom company Durex has found New Zealanders are
keen to trial its newest condom. Durex spokeswoman Victoria
Potter says the Avanti Ultima is non-latex, making it very
soft and elastic. She says there has been a huge response from
people wanting to be triallists, however the company is still
keen to hear from others who are interested. Applicants will
be asked a series of questions, such as how often they have
sex and why they would be good for the role. Anyone interested
in taking part in the test, has until the end of the month to
apply.
Friday, 19 January 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TRUTH SOLD
----------
The country's oldest weekly newspaper has a new owner. Fairfax
Media has announced it has sold Truth, established 102 years
ago, to a New Zealand group of private investors. Chief
operating officer Peter O'Hara says the newspaper has been
sold for an undisclosed price to a group headed by Dermott
Malley, a Hawke's Bay businessman with a publishing
background. Truth was founded by John Norton, an Australian,
and at its peak in the 1960s had a crusading reputation
commanding wide readership across New Zealand.
(A crusading reputation? That was one way of putting it. My
late father thought it such a muck-raking journal that he
would not have it in the house. It was a bit of a local joke
that all their photographers used cameras with keyhole-shaped
lenses. - BH)
AIR NZ SLASHES COST OF FLYING
-----------------------------
Air New Zealand is slashing the cost of domestic air travel.
>From January 24, its fares will fall by up to 26 percent. The
cheapest one-way fares between Auckland and Wellington will
drop from $115 to $89. A fare between Christchurch and
Wellington which previously cost $93 will now cost $79. Chief
Executive Officer Rob Fyfe says the move is expected to
generate more demand for domestic travel. He says they are
committed to growing the business and the only way to do that
is by stimulating demand. He believes this now puts the fares
on a par with how they were nearly three decades ago.
NZ "5TH MOST ECONOMICALLY FREE"
-------------------------------
New Zealand is the fifth most economically free country in the
world. The 2007 Economic Freedom report is out. It is compiled
annually and measures 161 countries against 50 independent
variables, like business freedom, trade freedom, and freedom
from government intervention. New Zealand is ranked fifth,
behind Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, and the United States.
Disappointingly for New Zealand, it is the first time in many
years that Australia has outranked it. Only five of the top 20
countries are in the Asia-Pacific region.
HOUSING MARKET DEFY DOWNTURN PREDICTIONS
----------------------------------------
The housing market continues to defy commentators' predictions
of a downturn. The Real Estate Institute's figures show the
national median sales price in the year to last December was
up 11.86% to $330,000. It took around 29 days to sell a house
last month. More than 8,000 properties were sold, with 35%
going for more than $400,000. On a year-by-year basis, Central
Otago Lakes was the only area which did not see an increase in
prices. The regions which had the greatest median price rises
were Taranaki, up 17.39%, Wellington, which recorded a 15.5%
increase, Nelson/Marlborough, up 13.87%, Southland 10.25% and
Auckland 6.96%.
RETAIL SALES DOWN IN NOVEMBER
-----------------------------
Shopaholics tightened their belts towards the end of last
year. Statistics New Zealand figures show that retail sales
fell 0.2 percent last November compared with the previous
month. November was also the second month in a row that most
retailers recorded relatively small profits. Only three
industries recorded more than $6 million dollars worth of
business. The most successful was appliance retailing.
Department stores and vehicle sales recorded the largest
decreases. Seasonally-adjusted sales fell in all regions apart
from Auckland, where they rose half a percent. However, the
overall trend shows retail sales are increasing steadily.
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE MAJOR CASE OF HEART PROBLEMS
------------------------------------------------
It has been revealed high blood pressure causes up to two-
thirds of cardiovascular disease in the Asia-Pacific region.
Research from Sydney's George Institute for International
Health has found hypertension, or high blood pressure is a key
factor in more than half the cases of stroke and heart attack.
It also shows 30 percent of New Zealand stroke deaths are
caused by hypertension. Senior research fellow Dr Alexandra
Martinuik says reducing the condition would have a big impact
on the number of deaths from heart attack and stroke. She says
around 40 percent of New Zealanders have high blood pressure.
NATIONAL DOUBTS TIME WILL HELP NEW SCHEME
-----------------------------------------
National is not confident time will fix the issues associated
with the Government's 20 hours free childhood education. The
election promise, due to kick in in July, is coming under
intense criticism. National says 14 percent of early childhood
centres will not adopt the scheme, while another 47 percent
say they have little or no capacity to participate. Education
Minister Steve Maharey insists parents and centres need more
time to assess the offer. But National's Paula Bennett says it
is another example of policy being developed on the hoof
around a Labour Party election strategy table. She says she
would have thought the government would have ironed everything
out before making the promise to the public.
NZ SLAMMED FOR INACTION AGAINST CHILD SEX CRIMES
------------------------------------------------
An organisation aimed at ending the sexual exploitation of
children wants New Zealand to exercise its legal powers. ECPAT
National Director, Jane Foster, says five New Zealanders have
been jailed overseas after being convicted of sex crimes
against children. She says our law states that if someone
commits a sex crime against a child overseas they can be
prosecuted here in New Zealand. But she says that is not
happening. Ms Foster says Australia has prosecuted 24 of its
nationals for committing sex crimes against children, mainly
in South East Asia. Meanwhile, Jane Foster says domestically
the use of technology for such offences is growing. She says
parents need to make sure they know who their kids are talking
to on-line. Ms Foster's warning comes following the arrest of
a Wellington man in Taupo earlier this week for allegedly
grooming a 14-year-old girl for sex after meeting her on the
internet. The 21-year-old man was granted interim name
suppression when he appeared in the Taupo District Court on
Wednesday, in order for a psychiatric report to be carried
out.
Monday, 22 January 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TELECOM PROBES 111 FAILURE
--------------------------
Telecom has launched an investigation into why a Southland
woman's 111 emergency call was not connected. The woman called
111 twice when a visitor at her home collapsed, but the call
was not connected. She then phoned her sister who was also
unable to get through. Her sister then phoned two ambulance
officers at home, and they responded immediately. Telecom
spokesman Nick Brown says an investigation has been launched.
He says it is very rare for 111 calls to not be connected and
they are taking the matter very seriously.
PRENDERGAST WILL STAND AGAIN
----------------------------
Wellington mayor Kerry Prendergast has decided to stand for a
third term. She says she realises the move may come as a
surprise, after she indicated she would not be running again.
Ms Prendergast says she wants to lead a city that is 'on a
roll'. She told Newstalk ZB she believes that the stability of
Wellington City Council's leadership plays a role in that
success, and she added that there are still some things she
wants to finish. At the top of her list are the indoor sports
stadium, art gallery and a boulevard of trees along the quay.
The local body elections will be held in October.
(It amazes me how often politicians are able to stay in office
for long periods, not through any demonstrable expertise of
their own, but rather from the sheer mediocrity of their
opponents. - BH)
MINISTRY CONCERNED AT CONTACT LENS INFECTION
--------------------------------------------
The Ministry of Health is concerned at news an Auckland man
has lost sight in one eye after using fashion contact lenses.
The 24-year-old left the novelty lenses in for several days
having not been told how to use them. That led to an infection
which was not treated in time, causing bacteria to eat through
almost his entire cornea. It has sparked calls for the law to
be changed to make it mandatory for care instructions to be
given out when the fashion lenses are purchased. A Ministry of
Health spokesman says they will be following the issue up.
There have been law changes in the US, Canada and Australia
relating to contact lenses. In this country, while the
Medicines Regulations Act demands proper instructions are
handed out with prescription lenses, it does not extend to
fashion ones.
WEBSITE NAMES CYF WORKER
------------------------
Child Youth and Family has condemned a new website which is
highly critical of the agency's workers. The anonymous blog
site says it will publish details of staff including home
addresses, vehicle registration numbers and photos. So far
only one staff member has been named on the site. The site
promises to publish uncensored stories which will 'name and
shame' CYF workers. A disgruntled parent describes the
worker's physical appearance in unflattering terms and accuses
her of erratic and bizarre behaviour when working with
families. The department says it is powerless to shut down the
site, but it is obviously a concern. Child Youth and Family
general manager of operations Lorraine Williams says social
workers deal with danger, violence and anger on a daily basis
and continue to turn up to work with the belief they are
making a difference in the lives of young people. She says CYF
has been criticised on Internet sites in the past but this is
the first time staff members have been named. Ms Williams says
the department cannot promise it will always get it right but
staff will continue to work hard for children in what is a
tough and stressful environment.
(This has been a really hot topic. I hope that none of those
named is falsely accused. If they have been they must seek a
remedy through the courts. If on the other hand, the
allegations of cavalier behaviour are true, then any sympathy
I have evaporates. - BH)
BAD CASES OVERSHADOW PAROLE SYSTEM
----------------------------------
The Howard League for Penal Reform believes a few bad cases
have overshadowed the overall success of the parole system.
New Zealand's youngest convicted killer comes up for parole
this week. Bailey Kurariki was convicted of manslaughter for
his part in the murder of South Auckland pizza delivery man
Michael Choy in 2001. Howard League spokesman Peter Williams
QC says a few high profile cases have overshadowed the many
success stories. He says people often call him to say how
great things have worked out. Mr Williams says the Christian
ethic is to love and help your neighbour, but there are bound
to be a few failures.
(I have never understood the Howard League. They seem to be
running in exactly the opposite direction to the rest of the
community. Of course, that is sometimes the right thing to do.
- BH)
RATEPAYERS FOOT LEAKY HOUSE BILL
--------------------------------
Ratepayers are set to bear the brunt of the country's leaky
building problem. The High Court has awarded $250,000 to a
west Auckland woman so she can replace or rebuild her home,
which was destroyed by rot. Waitakere City Council will foot
part of the bill. Building and Construction Minister Clayton
Cosgrove says a number of the parties involved in the leaky
homes debacle have ducked for cover, leaving the councils to
foot the bill. He says a new accreditation system will be
implemented in April which should improve the state of the
building industry. Mr Cosgrove expects the accreditation to be
completed by the end of the year and he believes it will stop
more leaky homes being built.
HOSPICE UPGRADE
---------------
Inpatients at Auckland's Mercy Hospice will find they have
much more comfortable surroundings from today. The Hospice has
been operating since 1979 at Epsom's Mercy Hospital and has
moved to a brand new purpose built venue in Ponsonby. The new
venue cost more than $6 million to set up. Most of the money
was donated by the Sisters of Mercy and some came from trusts,
grants and public donations. CEO Jan Nichols says each of the
15 inpatients have ensuites, air conditioning, IT services and
LCD television screens.
MORE TOXIC GIFT BOTTLES AROUND
------------------------------
North Island parents need to be on the lookout for children
with 'Message in a Bottle' novelty items. It was initially
thought just 72 bottles had been imported but it has now
emerged that another 144 are in circulation. The gift item
contains a message along with red seeds from the toxic plant
Abrus precatorius. Medical Toxicologist at the National
Poisons Centre John Fountain says chewing the seeds can prove
deadly. The bottles were sold at Dollars and Sense stores in
Hastings, Henderson, Wanganui and Palmerston North.
HOMEOWNING NOT BECOMING EASIER
------------------------------
An international survey has highlighted just how hard it has
become to own your own home. The third annual Demographia
International Housing Affordability Survey makes grim reading
for New Zealanders. It finds Auckland is one of the most
expensive housing markets in the world, once incomes are taken
into account. It ranks 21st on the list, ahead of Melbourne
and equal with outer London. Los Angeles is the least
affordable. Christchurch ranks 31st, while Wellington comes in
at 47th. The survey says in recent decades the median house
price was generally three times or less median household
incomes. But the figure has escalated sharply in Australia,
Ireland, New Zealand and the UK.
LEADERSHIP SCHEME BEING LAUNCHED
--------------------------------
Sir Edmund Hillary is lending his name to a million-dollar
incentive to encourage great leadership. Details are being
released by Prime Minister Helen Clark at Scott Base in
Antarctica today. One of New Zealand's richest woman and
Kathmandu founder Jan Cameron is thought to be putting up $2
million to launch the Hillary Institute. The institute will
provide a $1 million grant every four years to a encourage and
inspire a great leader, who can come from any field. Further
details of the scheme are under wraps until the official
launch. Meanwhile, Miss Clark has spoken passionately about
the need for greater conservation efforts in the Antarctic,
including the need to stop illegal fishing and whaling in
Antarctic waters. She and her husband Peter Davis head home
today after five days on the ice to mark the 50th anniversary
of the setting up of Scott Base by Sir Edmund and a team.
During her stay, Miss Clark has slept in a bunk room and
shared the communal toilets and showers. She has praised New
Zealand's scientific investigations into the ozone layer,
climate change and biodiversity and has been to the South Pole
to look at America's huge operation.
Tuesday, 23 January 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
POLICE CALLED IN OVER CYF BLOG
------------------------------
The Ministry of Social Development has called in the police
over website postings of personal information about Child
Youth and Family social workers. The anonymous blog has
published names and descriptions of social workers it claims
have bullied and intimidated families. It is also offering to
post photographs, and private addresses. The Ministry says
social workers have a tough job and admit they do not always
get it right. However, chief executive Peter Hughes says the
blog goes too far. He says its criticisms and libels are
unfair and incorrect and they also put the safety of CYF
workers and their families at risk. He adds the website's
posting of personal information, including names and private
addresses of social workers is appalling and puts the workers
and their families at risk of being targeted by disturbed and
upset people. He says the Ministry is pursuing every legal
route to have the website closed down. He says the police have
also been consulted on the security and safety of Ministry
staff.
(I am not sure how or why this is a police issue. Libel is a
civil matter, and not normally the business of Police. - BH)
CONCERN OVER DISHWASHER POWDER
------------------------------
Manufacturers of a dishwasher powder are being urged to pull
one of their products off the shelves because of fears it
might be too tempting for children. Child injury prevention
groups are worried kids may be attracted to the brightly-
coloured plastic bucket containing the caustic powder. Ann
Weaver of Safekids New Zealand says to make matters worse, the
Active brand powder smells and looks like orange drink mix.
She says children who swallow the powder can suffer terrible
burns to their mouths and digestive tracts. She says some
children have been so badly injured they will not be able to
eat or swallow normally for the rest of their lives. Ann
Weaver says the bucket is legal, but commonsense would suggest
it is a highly risky way to package such a dangerous substance
as when you take the lid off, it does remind you of a fruit
drink.
POWER COSTS MUCH MORE
---------------------
Electricity has become a much costlier commodity according to
just released figures from the Ministry of Economic
Development. The ministry has published data showing how power
prices have risen since late 1999. On average, consumers are
paying almost 44 percent more for electricity than they were
seven years ago. In Auckland retailers Contact, Mercury and
Meridian charge between 47 to 56 percent more than they did in
1999 meaning their customers are all now paying more than $500
a year.
IRD UNAWARE OF PAYMENT CLAIMS
-----------------------------
A pressure group says thousands of parents have contacted them
amid concerns their Child Support Payments have been missed.
Parents for Children says payments made between December 12
and 19 did not come through until last week. The group says
that has put many parents under increased financial pressure,
as they have been charged with late payment penalties. Group
chairman Mark Shipman says it is unacceptable situation. He
would like to see those affected by the problem contacted by
IRD and given an explanation. Inland Revenue is unaware of
anyone being disadvantaged, but says if they were, their
accounts will be amended accordingly.
DOMESTIC ECONOMY UNDER PRESSURE?
--------------------------------
An analyst is warning that yesterday's drop in the value of
Hellaby shares may be a sign of things to come. Business
correspondent Roger Kerr says the increase in business and
consumer confidence is not being reflected in the markets,
where a particularly cold spring has affected retail sales. He
says Hellaby's announcement that its profits would drop by
half does not come as a surprise to the business community, as
it is one of many companies which rely on local retail sales.
"There are a lot of New Zealand companies that are dependent
on the domestic economy for their sales and are perhaps
looking at not increasing their budgets this year. In fact,
profits may be lower than last year and Hellaby's may be a
reflection of this." Mr Kerr says New Zealand export companies
are continuing to do well.
NZ SLIPS IN GLOBAL OPTIMISM SURVEY
----------------------------------
Concern over New Zealand's place in the global business
rankings could mean some entrepreneurs may not take risks. New
Zealand has slipped from 19th to 22nd place on the global
optimism rankings under a survey from accountancy and tax
group Grant Thornton. In another survey last week, New Zealand
was the country's the fifth most economically free in the
world. Grant Thornton spokesman Peter Sherwin says it is time
the government stepped in for the good of the economy. He says
the government sends mixed messages about what it expects from
the business community and many companies may lose out if
business confidence does not keep pace with that of other
countries.
Wednesday, 24 January 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BAR FINED FOR UNLICENCED MUSIC
------------------------------
A Palmerston North bar has been fined $3500 and ordered to
stop playing CDs for which it does not have a licence. The
Recording Industry Association says it brought the case
against the Shamrock Inn for failing to obtain a Public
Performance Licence. The association's licensing arm manager
Mark Roach says the law prohibits the use of copyright music
in commercial premises without permission of the copyright
holder. He says it is unfortunate the Shamrock ignored
warnings, but at the same time it is important it knows of the
ramifications for flouting the law. Usually two licences are
required, one from PPNZ (Phonographic Performances New
Zealand) and one from APRA (Australasian Performing Right
Association). A typical license for a bar or cafe seating
between 100 and 400 people is $300 a year for the PPNZ license
and the APRA license starts at around $80.
ADRENALINE RUSHED TO NZ HOSPITALS
---------------------------------
A fresh supply of the life-saving drug, adrenaline, is on its
way to New Zealand hospitals. This follows a dry patch since
the sole supplier to Pharmac ran out last week. Pharmaceutical
company AstraZeneca has now secured a supply of adrenaline for
New Zealanders. It is due to arrive this Friday and should be
enough to last between six and eight months. Hospitals are
using American-sourced epinephrine, with special approval from
Medsafe, in the meantime. Adrenaline is a powerful cardiac
stimulant and is used in the management of cardiac arrest, and
to treat anaphylactic shock resulting from allergic reactions
to drugs, insect stings and other sources.
ECO JEWEL IN THE FAR SOUTH
--------------------------
Stewart Island could soon become the eco-tourism jewel of New
Zealand. The Tourism Industry Association wants the management
plan for Rakiura National Park to establish a green sanctuary
to rival any other eco-tourism destination in the world. The
Department of Conservation is currently developing a plan for
the island. It is hoped the extraordinary bird and sealife, as
well as the unique native flora, could prove a good draw card
to those venturing over here.
SUCCESS FOR DOWN'S SYNDROME STUDENT
-----------------------------------
Determination and hard work have resulted in top marks for a
17-year-old student who suffers from Down's Syndrome. Andrew
Oswin from Christchurch's Papanui High School has achieved 96
credits across NCEA levels one and two. His mother, Dr Karin
Lamb, says her son has spent two years gaining the credits and
he is thrilled with his results. She says NCEA works for her
son, who is driven to get more credits every time he succeeds.
She says this is a superb result for him, showing what he CAN
do, whereas the old school certificate system would simply
have shown what he could NOT do; that is, to sit down for
three hours and write down everything he had memorised. Dr
Lamb credits her son's success to his teachers throughout his
school career.
DIOXIN STUDY ENDORSED
---------------------
Three independent reviews have endorsed a 2005 study assessing
historical dioxin exposure for residents of the New Plymouth
suburb of Paritutu. The reviews were commissioned by the
Government after concerns the study's findings contained
errors which masked the extent of dioxin exposure. It had been
claimed that high levels of dioxin contamination at the Ivon
Watkins Dow factory at Paritutu, were obscured by poor
methodology in a Ministry of Health report. Health Minister
Pete Hodgson concedes there were minor errors in the original
report, but he is satisfied they do not affect the major
findings, the main one being that there was dioxin
contamination in Paritutu. The report revealed that long-term
residents had been exposed to higher levels of dioxin than the
rest of the population due to breathing in fumes from the
plant and eating home-grown leafy vegetables and exposed
fruits The Government is looking at developing a range of
services to address the concerns of those who were exposed.
CONCERN OVER CHILDCARE ELECTION PROMISE
---------------------------------------
Concern is mounting as more caveats are revealed to the
Government's policy of providing 20 free hours of childcare. A
letter from the education ministry suggesting an increase in
fees for under-three to cover the shortfall of funding for the
programme has concerned childcare bodies. Early Childhood
President Sue Thorne says it is yet another complication
within an already difficult proposition and contravenes the
Government's promises that free childcare for over threes
would not affect fees for younger age groups. She says the
letter makes it clear that the free funding is insufficient to
cover costs for most centres. However, the Minister of
Education has been quick to shoot down suggestions the
Government has gone back on its election promise. Minister
Steve Maharey says the suggestion, made by the ministry's
senior programme manager, is contrary to ministry policy. He
says such cross subsidisation would undermine the whole
purpose of having 20 hours of free education available to pre-
schoolers.
VOLCANOS STILL RISKY
--------------------
Auckland and other major surrounding cities could be at risk
of five volcanoes erupting at once. Researchers at Auckland
University have found the volcanoes Puketutu, Crater Hill,
Wiri, Mt Richmond and Taylor Hill erupted within 50 to 100
years of each other 3,000 years ago. Dr John Cassidy believes
it could happen again soon. He says a volcanic field which has
been active within the last few thousand years is still one
which is extremely volatile. He says now is the time to start
planning precautionary measures.
POWDER OFF THE MARKET
---------------------
A dishwashing powder has been removed from the market
following concerns about child safety. The five kilo bucket of
Active powder was removed from distribution last week amid
concerns the product looked like orange drink powder and the
packaging could be easily opened by children.
INVESTORS HAPPY
---------------
New Zealand investors ended 2006 in a buoyant mood. The ASB's
Investor Confidence report shows overall, confidence has risen
five points to 24 percent. The figure equals the highest level
of confidence recorded in the eight years of the survey.
However ASB's Head of Investment Services Jonathan Beale says
knowledge of the KiwiSaver scheme still is not great among
those under 30-years-old. He says there is still more work to
do on the scheme and the IRD is launching a major campaign
over the coming months. Mr Beale believes continued media
coverage of the KiwiSaver is the only way to make people more
aware of it. Mr Beale says it is concerning that 75 percent of
respondents consider their home as part of an investment
portfolio given the continued debate about the direction of
the housing market and the large number of mortgages requiring
to be refixed in the final quarter of 2006. The KiwiSaver
scheme is a voluntary, work-based savings initiative which
promotes savings over and above New Zealand Superannuation.
LEVEL CROSSING CRASHES FALL
---------------------------
The Government's rail organisation OnTrack says it will do all
it can to keep the number of level crossing accidents down
over the coming years. There were 15 recorded collisions last
year. It is the lowest figure for 20 years. OnTrack spokesman
Kevin Ramshaw says numbers can fluctuate from year to year but
have gone down for the past 11 months. He says although that
tells its own story, the company will not become complacent.
Mr Ramshaw says high profile campaigns such as the one fronted
by cricketer Chris Cairns also help to get the safety message
across.
(I was amazed and impressed while in Sydney, at how far out
into the country you had to go to find a genuine level
crossing. - BH)
Thursday, 25 January 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
JOBS UNDER THREAT AT TVNZ?
--------------------------
It remains unclear which staff may lose their jobs under a big
shake-up at TVNZ. The board today approved the structural
changes and Chief Executive Rick Ellis will be outlining them
to staff next week. In the meantime no details are being
publicly released. There has been speculation up to 200 staff
may lose their jobs - including head of news Bill Ralston.
However TVNZ spokeswoman, Megan Richards says it is not
certain any jobs will go. She describes the restructuring as
routine and says it is more to do with the organisation's
structure than personalities.
TELECOM BEATEN TO PARITAI DRIVE
-------------------------------
It is red faces all around for Telecom after rivals have done
what it could not, in getting broadband to residents of one of
Auckland's richest streets. Phone and Internet companies have
flocked to exclusive Paritai Drive in Orakei after reports
multi-millionaire Jenny Gibbs was told by Telecom she was
living in the wrong area for broadband service. Vodafone
spokesman Paul Brislen says the challenge was irresistible He
and other staff members jumped in a truck and drove out to Mrs
Gibb's home, where technical equipment was used to prove there
was good coverage in her part of the street.
(Telecom has since made the service available there. I wonder
if I could persuade Jenny Gibbs to move into our street for a
while to see if that would persuade one of the ISPs to run
cable up here? - BH)
MAKE THE MOST OF UNCHANGED OCR
------------------------------
The Retirement Commission is advising mortgage holders to make
the most of the unchanged Official Cash Rate. The Reserve
Bank's left the OCR at 7.25 percent, after a drop in inflation
and spending pressures. The Retirement Commissioner says it
does not mean it will not change at the next review in three
month's time. Diana Crossan says in the meantime it makes
sense for people to review their fixed or floating mortgages.
She says it would also be wise to increase mortgage repayments
while rates remain static. An interest rate increase in March
appears almost certain, following today's comments from the
Reserve Bank Governor in which he warned of a rebounding
domestic economy is putting further pressure on inflation.
Analysts say that means a rate rise is likely when the bank
releases its quarterly monetary policy statement in March. One
economist is questioning why Dr Bollard is waiting. Darren
Gibbs of Deutsche Bank says it looks like New Zealanders will
have to wait around for six more weeks for the rate hike we
should have got at the end of last year.
INTEREST RATE WARNING
---------------------
The Reserve Bank has left the official cash rate unchanged at
7.25 percent, but says it is still concerned about inflation
risks. Governor Allan Bollard says economic growth continued
to moderate in the third quarter of 2006 and inflation reduced
due to a decline in petrol prices since last October. Fuel
prices have also driven an improvement in retail trade, a
resurgent housing market and consumer and business confidence.
Annual CPI inflation fell to 2.6 percent in December and is
projected to decrease considerably through 2007, which will
help to lower inflation expectations. However Dr Bollard warns
that the medium-term outlook is less rosy with inflation
projected to rise throughout 2008 and 2009. He says it looks
less certain that the housing market will slow which could
require further fiscal tightening when the bank next reviews
the OCR in March. Analysts were divided about whether the bank
would increase rates this time around. Ten out of 15
economists polled by news agency Reuters expected no change.
COMPO WANTED FOR PARITUTU VICTIMS
---------------------------------
The man who raised questions about the validity of a report
into dioxin exposure in New Plymouth believes the focus should
now go on what will done for those affected. Three independent
reviews have been released by Health Minister Pete Hodgson.
They support a former study in 2005 which found that people
who lived near the Ivon Watkins-Dow plant between 1962 and
1987 were likely to have dioxin levels four times higher than
the general population. John Leonard says he takes some
comfort that the Government will be providing enhanced health
support and an information service for Paritutu residents. He
says care and attention, including medical and psychological
help, must be given to those affected. Mr Leonard says there
should also be compensation from whoever is responsible,
whether it be the Government or Ivon Watkins Dow which ran the
chemical plant at Paritutu.
POWER COMPANY VICTIM OF CONFUSING AD
------------------------------------
Building supplier Carters has had to apologise to Canterbury
electricity network MainPower about a confusing ad campaign.
Thousands of customers on Carters' database received an
envelope in the post yesterday, containing a fake $15,000
power bill from a fictitious company called "MainsPower". Also
in the envelope was a brochure promoting energy efficient
homes, which could be achieved by using materials from
Carters. However the promotion backfired when people started
phoning MainPower, in the belief it had sent a bill. Mainpower
Network manager Peter Hurford says the company is disappointed
Carters chose a name so close to its own and used a similar
logo. He says Carters has apologised and promised to send
another letter to customers explaining it was just an
advertisement.
SOCIAL WORKERS FIGHT BACK
-------------------------
There is more mud slinging on a controversial website
attacking Child Youth and Family, but this time it is from the
social workers themselves. An anonymous CYF worker has
launched into the online debate. She says "we don't just wake
up on Monday morning and decide to take your children. We do
it because at the time it is our belief that your children are
in danger." The writer goes on to say she wants happy endings
but parents need to sort themselves out instead of attacking
social workers personally. The blog site set up to attack CYF
staff has come under scrutiny due to its potentially
defamatory content and Google is working with the Ministry of
Social Development and the author of the website to reach a
resolution. The site is hosted by a company owned by Google
and spokeswoman Victoria Grand says content is only removed if
it violates the company's Terms of Service which prohibit the
posting of content which is unlawful, harmful, defamatory or
racially objectionable. She says Google does not mediate
content on its blog sites.
OBESITY EPIDEMIC "AN ILLUSION"
------------------------------
An Australian professor is flying in the face of claims her
country is in the grip of an obesity epidemic. Jan Wright, the
associate dean of education at the University of Wollongong,
says the commonly reported belief that Australians are getting
fatter is a money-wasting illusion. She will outline her views
today at a conference at the New South Wales university today.
Academics from New Zealand, Britain and Canada are attending.
Professor Wright says the whole idea of an obesity epidemic is
one which has been manufactured to give plenty of income to
fitness, food and pharmaceutical industries. She also disputes
the Body Mass Index, which uses height and weight measurements
to determine the amount of body fat. She believes it is not an
accurate indication of weight as it fails to take account for
factors such as people who are big and muscular. She says if
the BMI scale was used, the All Blacks would technically
register as obese.
Friday, 26 January 2007
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NZPOST CANCELS DELIVERIES IN PROBLEM AREA
-----------------------------------------
New Zealand Post is refusing to deliver mail to three Hamilton
streets following recent gang violence in the area. From today
until Tuesday residents in Tennyson Road, Emerson Place and
Dryden Road will not be getting letters in their mailboxes.
New Zealand Post spokeswoman, Fiona Mayo, says the Fairfield
streets have seen a lot of gang violence recently and posties
feel intimidated because they have been abused and sworn at.
She says up to fifty letters a day are delivered in the
affected streets and residents can collect their mail from the
mail centre in London Street. The decision will be reviewed on
Tuesday.
LACK OF CHILDCARE HINDERS PRODUCTIVITY
--------------------------------------
A new study claims New Zealand parents are being deterred from
returning to the workforce because of a lack of quality
childcare. An international study sought the views of about
70,000 people, including more than 1000 New Zealanders. Almost
60 per cent of the New Zealand parents say they would work
more hours and be more productive at work if they could find
quality childcare. Cost, waiting lists and travel times
associated with childcare are also seen as barriers.
INTERNET SITES TARGET GIRLS
---------------------------
Greymouth Police are investigating several Internet sites
which aim to humiliate and threaten local high school
students. Constable Rose Green says a group of teenage girls
have gone to great lengths to make the sites, creating domain
names and web addresses out of their victims' names. She will
not comment on the content of the websites, only saying the
material is highly offensive and relates to friends the girls
have fallen out with. Constable Green says online bullying
appears to be increasing on the West Coast - worrying parents
and police. Greymouth police are seeking advice on what
charges can be laid.
EXPERT ADVICE ON WASP ATTACKS - RUN AWAY
----------------------------------------
An insect expert says if a person is approached by a swarm of
wasps - the first thing to do is run. An 87-year-old Masterton
woman remains in a serious condition in Wairarapa Hospital
suffering from multiple wasp stings, after she accidentally
disturbed a wasp nest in her garden. The woman was forced to
lay on the ground covered in wasps which continued to sting
her for around 30 minutes until help arrived. Entomologist,
Ruud Kleinpaste says if a person steps on a nest they need to
get as far away from it as they can. He says it is also
important to cover up as much bare skin as possible. He says
wasps deposit pheromones when they sting, marking out a target
for other wasps to attack.
(If I read the print media properly, the victim had suffered a
significant stroke and was in no condition to run anywhere. -
BH)
DOG OWNERS WARNED OF CAR DANGERS
--------------------------------
The SPCA is warning dog owners they will be prosecuted if they
are found to be leaving their dogs to parch in the car. The
organisation says there is a noticeable increase in cases of
dogs being locked in cars without inadequate ventilation in
the summer months. Auckland Inspectorate Manager, David Lloyd-
Barker, says it takes just minutes for a car to reach 60
degrees Celsius in a locked up car on a sunny day. He says a
dog can perish in such conditions in just six minutes. The
maximum penalty under the Animal Welfare Act is six months in
jail or a fine of up to $25,000.
CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS IN BREAST CANCER STUDY
--------------------------------------------
Doctors need more women aged between 40 and 70 to sign up for
a study to see if breast cancer can be prevented. Close to
2000 women have already put their names down - 8000 more are
still needed to take part in the worldwide study to see if a
hormone drug, anastrozole, can help prevent breast cancer. The
drug has been widely and successfully used to treat breast
cancer for many years and now doctors want to see if it can
help prevent breast cancer as well. The stats reveal about one
in ten women will develop the disease during their lifetime.
Women who are aged 40-70 years and been through the menopause
can join the study. They must also have a family history of
breast cancer or other risk factors and not be on hormone
replacement therapy. Women who have had cancer in the past
take part, with some exception. Anyone wanting to get involved
or find out more details about the eligibility requirements is
urged to call 0800 888 656.
NOT MUCH EXTRA TO EAT WELL
--------------------------
Eating healthily does not cost the earth. An Auckland
University study has found that, on average, it will cost an
extra $7 to fill a shopping trolley with healthy food. It
finds people should be more aware of how easy it is to live on
a more wholesome diet. Researcher Dr Cliona Ni Mhurchu says
there are many reasons why people struggle to adapt. She says
taste, habits and what people are used to cooking and eating
may play a very big part in the kinds of foods purchased on a
daily basis.
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